Fetal Fibroblast Transplantation via Ablative Fractional Laser Irradiation Reduces Scarring

Scar treatments include fractional laser treatment, cell transplantation, surgery, skin needling, and dermal fillers. Fractional laser treatments are used to reduce scarring and blurring. Cell transplantation is promising, with mature fibroblasts and adipose-derived stem cells being used clinically, while embryonic fibroblasts are used experimentally. Herein, we developed a combination of ablative CO(2) (carbon dioxide) fractional laser and cell transplantation for the treatment of scars. Eight-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice were used to create a full-layer skin defect in the back skin and create scars. The scar was then irradiated using a CO(2) fractional laser. The cells were then transplanted onto the scar surface and sealed with a film agent. The transplanted cells were GFP-positive murine fetal fibroblasts (FB), fetal fibroblasts with a long-term sphere-forming culture (LS), and fetal skin with a short-term sphere-forming culture (SS). After transplantation, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells were scattered in the dermal papillary layer and subcutis in all the groups. LS significantly reduced the degree of scarring, which was closest to normal skin. In conclusion, the combination of ablative fractional laser irradiation and fetal fibroblast transplantation allowed us to develop new methods for scar treatment.